LAWJOBS.COM S.F. BAY AREA JOB LISTINGS

June 03, 2009

Walker Dismisses Wiretap Suits

Minutes ago, Chief Judge Vaughn Walker of California’s Northern District filed an order (.pdf) dismissing all of the lawsuits against telecommunications giants such as AT&T. Walker ruled in favor of the government’s argument that the FISA Amendments Act of 2008, which granted the telecoms immunity, barred the plaintiffs’ claims against the companies.

Telecom customers, with San Francisco’s Electronic Frontier Foundation in the role of lead counsel, sued the government after it became clear that the companies had played a role in assisting the government’s domestic surveillance efforts. Cal Law will have a fuller analysis of Walker’s 46-page ruling later today.

Quick update: Walker has also just ruled (.pdf) against various state attorney generals who were attempting to
investigate the government’s wiretapping activities.